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For the 30-second walk between the sandy beach and your car, no footwear seems more appropriate than flip flops.
‘Thongs’, as they are known in Australia, are the most universally recognised summer shoe, from teenagers sporting cool Havaianas to kids exploring the poolside in a £2 pair from Primark.
Not everywhere is quite so welcoming of them though – and wearing them in some parts of the world can land you a hefty fine.
A growing number of bucket list destinations are cracking down on the popular footwear they say bring unnecessary safety risks to holidaymakers – and make more work for first responders.
Italy’s Cinque Terre region is the least forgiving, imposing fines on visitors who arrive to explore its expansive hiking trails wearing them.
Flip flops have been banned in certain destinations across Europe
The north-west coast region’s national park introduced a ban in 2019, whereby flip flops, sandals and other smooth-soled footwear cannot be worn by hikers.
Officials have said previously that checks will be carried out to ascertain that walkers have appropriate footwear. Fines could reach as much as €2,500 (£2,165).
But it’s not the only part of the world with guidelines prohibiting the shoe. Parts of Spain, while permitting flip flops on the beach, have stricter rules for holidaymakers driving.
Are you team flip flops – or do you think they are a crime against fashion?
Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO at luggage storage company Stasher, previously warned: ‘Spain’s traffic authority has confirmed that officers can fine drivers up to €200 (£175) if they judge that footwear is affecting a driver’s ability to control the vehicle safely. Guardia Civil officers have on-the-spot discretion.’
The same fines apply in plenty of other destinations, too, such as Greece – which imposes penalties of up to €100 (£86) for any drivers caught, the Express reports.
Cinque Terre National Park has prohibited the flimsy footwear on its walking trails
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Officials beg plane passengers to ‘bring civility and manners back’
Flip flops are also effectively banned while driving in France, with fines of up to €375 (£324), and Portugal enforces similar rules in parts of the country.
Individual tourist attractions may also impose bans at their discretion.
It’s no surprise many upmarket bars and restaurants require fancy footwear, with many banning flip flops and trainers.
Meanwhile, Milan’s famous La Scala theatre has barred beachwear from the opera, according to the Guardian.
And it may not be an official ban, but one flight attendant has listed flip flops among her own personal ‘prohibited’ items.
Flight attendant Sille Rydell highlighted the clothing items she advises against wearing while flying. She explained: ‘Flip flops – fine for the beach, not for running to your gate or emergency landings. Plus, I know you will take them off during the flight and walk barefoot.’
The shoe has even come under fire from etiquette experts.
In other places such as Spain and France you cannot wear flip flops while driving
Laura Windsor, also known as The Etiquette Queen, shared a list of offensive items on planes, including sleeveless T-shirts, flip flops, large hats and anything ‘overly revealing’.
She said: ‘Flip flops are reserved for when you are on the beach or at the poolside. It is a public space, such that outdoor wear is the only appropriate attire unless you are a two-year-old and travel around in a buggy.’
Evidently, despite their arguable comfort, universal appeal and purse-friendly cost, the flimsy footwear is not all it’s cracked up to be.
Instead, the Daily Mail has compiled a list of some of the best shoes to take on holiday instead…
The best hiking boots
Heading to the Cinque Terre National Park? Or perhaps another of Europe’s best hiking hotspots?
If so, you’ll want sturdy footwear whatever the weather – hiking boots for long treks and wellies for any rainier destinations.
You’ll certainly want to prioritise comfort with these, so consider the weather for your destination – and how much outdoor activity will be involved in your trip.
The best sandals
Admittedly, the best sandals are not always the prettiest – but if you’re going to forgo flip flops on the basis of comfort, the shoes you select should absolutely be practical.
‘Dad’ sandals are all the rage right now – and some top options won’t break the bank either.
The best Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks weren’t always trendy, but their popularity – especially that of the Boston model – means they are no longer uncool.
Comfy and stylish at the same time, you’ll want to decide if you prefer open or closed-toe models – and then select the colour you like best.
The viral shoe brand has been dominating the footwear market during every season lately, but it is their viral sandals, which have been around for literal decades, that truly break the internet every summer.
The best trainers
If your trip doesn’t involve heavy trekking, but is not exactly just a week of lying on the beach, you’ll need something in between – and nothing is more reliable than a pair of trainers.
Nike is a tried-and-tested brand, but Brooks are in with a chance of stealing their crown.
Not convinced? Check out our full review of the Brooks Glycerin 23 shoes. It’s sure to have you convinced.
